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FAA Intensifies Oversight of Southwest Airlines After Series of Safety Incidents

Recent low-altitude scares and other close calls prompt comprehensive federal audit of the airline's safety protocols.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - MAY 18: Southwest Airlines airplanes are serviced at their gates at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on May 18, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  (Photo by Gary Hershorn/Getty Images)

Overview

  • Southwest Airlines flight dropped to 150 feet above water near Tampa before diverting to Fort Lauderdale.
  • FAA audit will examine adherence to safety regulations and operational procedures.
  • Incidents under review include dangerously low altitudes and runway errors in multiple locations.
  • Southwest has formed a team with FAA and union partners to address safety concerns.
  • Previous incidents involved near-miss situations in Oklahoma City and off the coast of Hawaii.